Suspected China rocket debris recovered by PCG

MANILA, Philippines — A portion of rocket debris suspected to have been launched by China’s Space Launch Center in Hainan province was recovered by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and several fishermen near Subic, Zambales over the weekend.

The PCG said on Dec. 16, boat captain David Gervacio reported to the PCG the sighting of a white cylindrical object floating in the waters near Subic.

“Upon receipt of the report, personnel from Coast Guard Station Zambales immediately responded and aided the crew in retrieving the debris,” the PCG report read.

The PCG described the recovered metal and plastic debris as two meters long and four meters wide, believed to be from a Long March 5b Rocket that was launched by China last Oct. 31 from Wenchang Space Launch Center in Hainan.

“Said rocket carried a research laboratory module to China’s Tiangong Space Station. The Philippine Space Agency posted a public advisory on the same date to alert the public for possible falling debris within two drop zones at approximately 39 nautical miles from BdM and 21 nautical miles from Busuanga, Palawan,” the PCG added.

Previously, a similar floating object was spotted by Gervacio and his crew on Nov. 16 southwest of Bajo de Masinloc but was not retrieved due to its size and that it had sunk deep.

“Coastal barangays and local fisherfolk are reminded that floating debris at sea are notable navigational hazards that may endanger the safety of vessels and crew. As such, the PCG remains alert and ready to assist in identifying and recovering objects at sea to ensure the safety of vessels and Filipino fisherfolk plying waters within the Philippine maritime jurisdiction,” the PCG added.

Meanwhile, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda said the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and other civilian agencies must increase their presence in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) to help protect fishing communities and marine resources in the area.

Legarda made the call after the Senate last week passed a resolution condemning the recent incidents of harassment by Chinese ships in the WPS against Philippine Navy and fishing vessels in recent weeks. – Paolo Romero, Ric Sapnu